north carolina: It's a Great Time to Buy a Home with Prices Down, Interest Rates Low and the Tax Benefits of Home Ownership
- 02/05/11 12:34 AM
The tax benefits of buying a home: Home mortgage interest deduction: The interest paid on a mortgage or mortgages of up to $1 million for a principal residence and/or second home is deductible as an itemized deduction. In the early years of a home loan most of the payments consist of interest, so this deduction is particularly substantial during the first years of homeownership. Depending on the state a buyer lives in and his or her tax bracket, this deduction can reduce the cost of borrowing by one-third or more. Home equity loan deduction: Homeowners can borrow up to $100,000 against (1 comments)

As enthusiasm for a fresh start in the New Year inevitably fades, so does commitment to the gym. The cold winter mornings beg for a cup of coffee in bed instead of a trek across town to spend an hour on the elliptical machine. If your schedule, motivation, or physical limitations make working out a chore, you will want a simple, accessible, and affordable way to get fit in the comfort of your own home. To Read the Full Article, Click here ﻿ ﻿As Seen in my Monthly Home and Lifestyle (0 comments)

The Twisted Fork is a family-friendly restaurant that celebrates playing with food. But that doesn't mean they don't take their cuisine seriously. It's your plate, and you should have it any way you like it. So they want you to play with the possibilities and get the exact gourmet meal you're (1 comments)

north carolina: Funnel Your Email Address Through Gmail
- 01/30/11 08:20 AM
How could I not re-blog this? Exellent information on getting yourself organized and having your email all in one place each with their own signatures. I knew that there was alo I could do with gmail but this post opened my eyes to more. The APP on my iPhone rocks too!

Recently I wrote a post about how much I like using Gmail. Like many people in the real estate business I've had an email address for a long time. In fact my original email address attached to my domain of Denver Real Estate and Relocation had to be "retired" (4 comments)

If I miss the call I call back everyone as quickly as possible as long as I recognize the number or a message is left. I received a call from someone interested in seeing my listing and called me the day before but I missed the call and a message was not left. When he (14 comments)

1. Find a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buying is not only a big financial commitment, but also an emotional one. It's critical that the REALTOR® you chose is both highly skilled and a good fit with your personality.2. Remember, there's no "right" time to buy, just as there's no perfect time to sell. If you find a home now, don't try to second-guess interest rates or the housing (3 comments)

north carolina: What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through
- 01/29/11 01:26 AM
It's guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would be. Ideally, the sellers already have moved out. This is your last chance to check that appliances are in working condition and that agreed-upon repairs have been made. Here's a detailed list of what not to overlook for on your final walk-through. Make sure that:

•· Repairs you've requested have been made. Obtain copies of paid bills and warranties. •· There are no major (2 comments)

north carolina: What's a Home Warranty?
- 01/29/11 01:14 AM
A home warranty is a service contract, normally for one year, which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. Coverage is for systems and appliances in good working order at the start of the contract. Check your home warranty policy to see which of the following items are covered. Also find out if the policy covers the full replacement cost of an item. •· Plumbing •· Electrical systems •· Furnace •· Water heater •· Heating ducts •· Water pump •· (2 comments)

north carolina: After Foreclosure - Can You Buy Another Home?
- 01/28/11 11:57 PM
Had to re-blog this great article about purchasing a home after foreclosure! I wrote a post a few weeks ago on the same topic trying to explain how to move forward after a foreclosure entitled Regrouping After Foreclosure...You Can Rebound. Speak with Eleanor Thorne at First Financial Services for specifics on requirements that you will need to get a loan after foreclosure, and then call me when you are ready to find your next home. Foreclosure is not the end and you are entitled to a new beginning.

If you are one of the millions of families that lost their home (6 comments)

K.C. McLaughlin is a Certified e-PRO and REALTOR. When you're on the Internet, you don't have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information. You want to get things done quickly and without hassle. So chances are you'd like a real estate agent who: Answers email promptly and professionally. Respects your on-line privacy. Offers home listings and other Internet tools to help you find or market a home. An e-PRO is a REALTOR® who has successfully completed the e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. (0 comments)

north carolina: How to Remove a Popcorn Textured Ceiling
- 01/25/11 11:00 PM
The dreaded popcorn ceiling. I have been asked by many clients how to remove it and knew I needed to re-blog this post. Popcorn texture is not well received when seen in a house and I believe that it is better to remove it if you can. Alternatively, sellers may choose to offer an "allowance" toward the removal of the textured ceiling to buyers.

In a recent post, What to Do With a Popcorn Textured Ceiling I took a survey on ....how buyers and real estate professionals really feel about the dreaded popcorn-texutred ceiling? I received a lot of thoughtful (3 comments)

Raleigh is home to some of the most dynamic restaurants in the country. Known for effortlessly blending modern architecture with historic buildings and monuments, Raleigh showcases fine dining and eclectic eateries. Whether a resident or visitor, you'll enjoy the opportunity to talk with chefs and owners who are serving innovative ethnic and southern cuisine, house-made chocolate, beautiful and delicious cupcakes, local beer, and organic wine. Tickets must be purchased through the website. For more information, visit Event Website Raleigh City Museum 220 Fayetteville St. Raleigh, NC 27601 (919) (1 comments)

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